I have many heroes of saxophonists , vocalists and percussionists.
Grandfather Felipe Castaneda was my first hero of the sax. I can remember listening intently to every note grandfather played when I was 4 or 5 years old. He was an alto player performing at house parties for friends and also small Mexican bars throughout Central and Southern California. The styles of Mexican ballads, Corridos and Rancheras music were his expertise.
I can remember hearing for the first time the song "Sabor A Mi" in his living room with a keyboard player, bassist and drummer. It was the most beautiful and melodic song that I had ever heard. That song prepared me for what was to come.
When I matured to the ripe old age of 9 or 10 our family took the 45 minute drive to Bakersfield California for a Castaneda Family Reunion. I took notice of my two uncles Lalo and Felipe Castaneda Jr. whose own bands performed at the reunion respectfully. Great players in their own right. Both bands vying for grandfathers approval.
I followed my Uncle Lalo ( Edward ) backstage where he was putting his horn in its case. I asked if I could see it and of course he obliged. As he opened the old and battered case I was overwhelmed by the musty odor that only a sax case had. The aroma overtook me and held me in its intoxicating cloud. It was right then and there that I knew I was to become a sax player.
Grandfather gave me my first alto sax when I was about to enter the 4th grade. It was a Martin Indiana. .
I couldn't wait for granddad or anyone else to help me. I immediately took matters into my own hands and tried for two weeks figuring out how that little flat stick went on the horn.Well finally Uncle Lalo visited and showed me. It was that day I blew my first note and fell in love. It began my journey into the music world that would eventually land me some great tours and endorsements. grandfather lived well into his nineties. God Bless Him and Uncle Felipe.
Uncle Felipe passed on a few years ago but Uncle Lalo, who turns 72 August 28, 2008 is still going strong. He performs with his church band called "Gods Way Band" I had the honor of performing with Lalo and his band at my cousin Raouls funeral service. A very bittersweet day.
This list of list sax players inspired me to incorporate their individual styles and tone into my own playing. Here is a short list of musicians I admire.
Grover Washington Jr. , Hank Crawford, Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker, King Curtis, David Sandborn, Maceo Parker, Michael Brecker etc.....
The list of my favorite influential vocalists and percussionists is just as diverse.
Thank You for reading about my sax beginnings.
Tommy is a world renowned saxophonist , vocalist and percussionist and is currently performing with the Emmy award winning comedian and improvisational genius of “ Whose Line Is It Anyway ?" Wayne Brady at the Venetian Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. Tommy has toured and performed with Joe Cocker , Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons , Barry White , Pauline Wilson , James Brown , Wayne Brady , Bruce Conte (Tower of Power) , El Chicano , and a host of others. Tommy toured last year with the Solid Gold Dance Party. He headlined with The Village People , Peaches and Herb , Taste Of Honey , France Joli , Maxine Nightengale , Anita Ward and Thelma Houston . . Being a transplant from California he is well respected in the Las Vegas Music Community.
This year Tommy founded the Slick Willie Orchestra. It is an 8 piece blues band with horns that performs at several venues in Las Vegas. The Slick Willie Orchestra offers any musician to perform with SWO. The whole idea is to keep live music alive with the help of rotating musicians. Even though it doesn't pay well, it can help someone make a few bucks if they don't have a gig. He books and manages the band. "It's my way of giving back to the musical community"
Had a good time last night at the Square Apple Tommy, thanks for asking me to sit in!! The Slick Willie Orchestra is great and the kind of band that I'v been hoping to see here in Vegas. See you next Tuesday, Johnny
